JAPANESE racing is particularly lively at present, but the winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Hanshin last Sunday, Lucky Lilac, is rated 113 and not in the same league as Almond Eye or Contrail yet.

At home, Ummalnar (listed race) and Saltonstall (minor event) were good winners at Dundalk on Friday week and Monday, worth a rating of 108 and left on a figure of 113 respectively. Romanised managed only 113 also in third behind the latter, slowly away but coming through to look the winner briefly.

At a lower level, St George’s Head recorded a surprisingly good time (65 timefigure) for a modest performer when winning division one of the seven-furlong handicap on Monday off a basement mark.

Lingfield staged a couple of listed races on the all-weather last Saturday. Dubai Warrior did not have to run especially fast overall, but was rapid late on (including back-to-back splits of 10.75s and 10.95s) in winning the Churchill Stakes at 10 furlongs and remains on 112. Sinjaari in second was nearly as fast and has a race or two in him with a new rating of 105.

Good Effort banged in efficient sectionals in front from start to finish in the six-furlong Golden Rose Stakes for an ultimate timefigure of 108.